The Philadelphia Eagles may be quietly grooming second-year cornerback Cooper DeJean for a pivotal role in their 2025 defensive lineup. After a standout rookie season primarily at nickel, DeJean was spotted taking snaps at outside cornerback during this week’s OTAs, hinting at a potential shift that could reshape the team’s secondary.
When asked about the possibility of moving outside, DeJean remained noncommittal but open to the challenge. “I’ll play wherever, to be honest,” he said. “Wherever they put me on the football field, I’ll play there. As long as I’m out there, I’ll be ready to play no matter the position, whether it’s corner, nickel, or safety.” His versatility is no surprise, given his college experience at Iowa, where he played extensively at outside corner, and his practice reps at the position during last summer’s training camp.
DeJean’s adaptability has long been a point of praise. Last fall, defensive backs coach Christian Parker noted that the then-rookie looked solid at every position he practiced, from corner to nickel to safety. This flexibility could prove crucial as the Eagles navigate a significant gap in their secondary with veterans Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers no longer on the roster.
The transition from nickel to outside corner isn’t without its challenges, as DeJean himself acknowledged. “They’re a little different,” he said on Wednesday. “On the inside, you have to prepare more to fit the run and be able to cover and do all those things. At corner, it’s more worrying about covering the top guy, top receiver, with a lot of space.” He added, “Outside it’s a little different mentality than playing inside, understanding leverage and things like that. So it’s going to be a challenge. But I’m still learning, it’s early on.”
DeJean’s rookie campaign in 2024 showcased his potential, with 51 tackles, three interceptions, and a forced fumble, earning him a spot as a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Now, with an opportunity to step into a starting role at outside corner, he could become a cornerstone of Philly’s defense. However, the Eagles’ coaching staff may still have him toggling between positions based on defensive packages, a demanding task for any young player.
As DeJean noted, it’s still early in the process, and the team’s plans will become clearer during summer training camp. For now, the Eagles seem to be secretly preparing their versatile defensive back for a role that could redefine their secondary and elevate their defense to new heights in 2025.